Former Vice President Mike Pence is expected to lead a major event next month for a conservative Christian organization in South Carolina, an appearance that is likely to fuel speculation about his own presidential ambitions.
A Pence spokesman confirms that the former vice president is due to speak on April 24 at a dinner hosted by the Palmetto Family Council, a Christian organization that defends religious freedoms, anti-abortion rights policies and other conservative positions. The event usually attracts about 1,000 attendees, a large audience for what would be the former vice president’s first public comments since he stepped down in late January. Dave Wilson, president and executive board of the Palmetto Family Council, said that Pence’s appearance helps to remind southern Carolinians of his state’s unique role in choosing presidents. His scheduled appearance “gives people a reason to recognize how important it is for us to engage at all levels of the political spectrum. That’s where the biggest impact occurs.”
“If that leads to conversations in 2024, well, so be it,” said South Carolina Republican state senator Josh Kimbrell, who was among those who invited Pence to speak at the event.
Wilson and Kimbrell say they have heard of several potential Republican presidential candidates for 2024.
Kimbrell supports a possible Pence presidential campaign and is not concerned that it will attract the ire of former President Donald Trump, who has not yet said whether he can run in 2024.
“This is by no means against the former president; it is only in favor of the former vice president,” said Kimbrell. “I don’t think any of them made their plans clear.”
Several recent polls show that Pence holds a lead over the potential Republican presidential camp if Trump resigns from another campaign. When Mr. Trump is included in the survey, Pence generally maintains a strong second place.
Pence declined an invitation to speak last month at the Conservative Political Action Conference in Florida, telling organizers that he would take more time before speaking publicly.
Since leaving office, Pence has held private meetings with Republican lawmakers and is working for the Heritage Foundation and Young America’s Foundation. He is also working with Fox News on a digital documentary that chronicles the life and legacy of a Rush Limbaugh radio talk show host.
The news of Pence’s trip to South Carolina was first reported by The Associated Press.
Asked about the other calls he is receiving from potential candidates for 2,024, Kimbrell said he would respect their privacy, but replied, “I know there are several.”
Wilson said his group wants to “help anyone interested in talking to South Carolinaians about South Carolina’s values, about our political vision”.